The honest range
Singapore student care fees in 2026 sit in three bands depending on centre type and what's bundled. Here's the picture before we get into Pebbles-specific pricing.
| Centre type | Typical monthly fee | What's included | Subsidy access |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSF-registered Student Care | $250–$500 | Supervision, meals, homework supervision | MSF Student Care Subsidy (income-tiered) |
| Private premium (e.g. The Pebbles) | $500–$900 | Supervision, meals, homework, Academic Programme, weekly enrichment, full-day holiday programme | None — private centres are outside the MSF scheme |
| Premium chain brand | $800–$1,200+ | Varies — often supervision + meals; tuition + enrichment usually à la carte | None |
| Community Club programmes | $30–$80/term | Specific weekly activity only — not a care arrangement | N/A |
| Private 1-to-1 tuition | $640–$1,280 (8 hr/week) | Single subject only, no supervision, no meals | N/A |
A note on the "private is more expensive" framing
A Bukit Timah family who uses an MSF-registered centre at $400/month often also pays for separate Maths tuition ($300–$600/month) and Chinese tuition ($300–$600/month) — taking total monthly spend to $1,000–$1,600 plus three pickups. The premium of a private centre with integrated tuition usually nets out cheaper once you count the vendors a family was paying anyway.
The MSF Student Care Subsidy — how it works (for MSF-registered centres only)
The subsidy reduces monthly fees for eligible families at MSF-registered centres. Per-capita household income determines the tier:
| Per-capita household income | Subsidy level | Out-of-pocket (at a $400/month MSF centre) |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ SGD 750 | Highest tier | ~$25/month |
| SGD 751–1,500 | Medium tier | ~$80–$160/month |
| SGD 1,501–2,500 | Lower tier | ~$200–$320/month |
| > SGD 2,500 | No subsidy | $400/month full fee |
"Per-capita income" = total monthly household income ÷ number of household members. A family of 4 earning $6,000/month total has per-capita income of $1,500. Apply via the chosen MSF-registered centre — most handle the submission paperwork directly.
The Pebbles is a private centre and does not participate in the MSF subsidy scheme. Families who require subsidy should look for MSF-registered centres in their catchment. MSF official page →
What The Pebbles' fee includes
Our monthly fee is all-inclusive for the core programme. No hidden meal charges, no holiday-programme surcharge, no separate enrichment add-on.
Included as standard
- Full afternoon supervision 1:30pm–7pm during school term, 8am–7pm during school holidays
- Daily homework supervision + spelling + 听写
- Academic Programme 3:15–4:30pm Mon–Thu rotating across English / Chinese / Math / Science / Reading; STEAM on Fridays
- Eager Reader weekly English enrichment (lower primary)
- Enrichment block 5:00–6:00pm rotating Maker / Outdoors / Documentary / Art & Craft / Character & SEL
- Lunch + tea-break on-site daily, allergen accommodations available
- Full-day holiday programme during school breaks (8am–7pm)
- Silent reading + independent work 6:00–7:00pm
Optional add-ons (specialist tuition + enrichment)
- Acer Academy Mathematics — on-site, Primary 1–6
- Yuquan Language School Chinese — on-site, Preschool to Secondary
- Robotics (Steam Engine by Duck Learning) — on-site or competition pathway
- Coding (Code Combat 5-level pathway) — on-site
- Bowling (Bowling is Science Academy) — coordinated transport from centre
Worked example: Bukit Timah family currently using 3 vendors
- MSF-registered student care (no subsidy at their income level)
- ~$400/month
- + External Maths tuition (Bukit Timah area, P4)
- ~$450/month
- + External Chinese tuition
- ~$450/month
- + External enrichment (e.g. robotics weekly)
- ~$200/month
- Plus 3 separate pickups, 3 monthly bills, vendor coordination.
A private centre like The Pebbles that integrates Acer Maths + Yuquan Chinese + the enrichment menu typically lands in a similar or lower monthly total, with one bill and one pickup. Contact us for current fee schedule and a breakdown for your specific child's needs.
Hidden costs to ask about (at any centre)
Whether you're comparing The Pebbles, an MSF-registered centre, or a chain, ask explicitly about these so you have the real number:
- Registration fee — typically $200–$500 one-time
- Uniform / t-shirt — typically $20–$50
- Materials fee per term
- Holiday programme surcharge — if priced separately (at The Pebbles, included)
- Late pickup — typically charged per 15-minute block after closing time
- Sibling or referral discount — usually available, ask
Want the current Pebbles fee schedule for your child's level?
Fees vary by Primary level, days enrolled, and tuition add-ons selected. WhatsApp us and we'll send the current breakdown — no obligation.